Nursery Debate: Is a Nursery Mobile Really Necessary?

We’ve been debating whether or not to add a mobile to our nursery. Today, I’m going to dive into the details on which nursery mobiles I have my eye on and why I’m thinking we may not even need one!

Today, I want to chat about something that may end up being a little controversial…nursery mobiles.

I know what you’re thinking – there’s nothing controversial about mobiles! But, y’all, this has been the single most difficult decision of this entire nursery renovation so far (why?!), and I just need to bounce a few ideas off of you. People have opinions when it comes to this sort of thing, so I know this might ruffle a few feathers – but I’m curious what you think and what your experience is, so let’s dive right in…

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Do you really need a nursery mobile?!

Hear me out – in Jackson’s nursery, we had a small (slightly cheesy and baby-themed) mobile that attached to his crib. I can think of exactly zero times that we actually turned it on, and it was cute but I don’t remember him actually seeming particularly interested in it.

You’d think that would mean that we’d feel no qualms about skipping the crib mobile this time around. But, there’s just some part of me that can’t quite let it go – it’s rare to see a nursery without a mobile, and it feels like it’s somehow an essential part of the room that I can’t live without.

That could be the hormones talking, though.

What makes it worse is that, generally speaking, I don’t really like mobiles. They’re usually very highly themed (Woodland! Sea Creatures! Moon & Stars!) and we like to very intentionally avoid themes in our kids’ rooms. At this age, I care way more about what the room looks like than the baby will, so I want to design it to be aesthetically pleasing to me. If there’s something functional that the baby needs we’ll absolutely add it in, but let’s be real – the baby couldn’t care less if he has a tiny stuffed bear hanging over his head to stare at…right?!

Despite my general aversion to nursery mobiles, there are a few beautiful options out there that are highly tempting. It does make sense for the baby to have something to look at while he’s laying in his crib, so if I could find something that isn’t too baby-ish and flows with the rest of the room, why not, right?!

Non-Themed Nursery Mobiles

Like I said, there are a few options out there that aren’t awful. In fact, some of them are downright gorgeous. There are a few issues I have with them, though – first of all, they’re usually pretty pricey, and second of all, the room is tiny and I worry that adding yet another element to it will just make this quiet and serene space feel a bit cramped.

That being said, I do have my eye on a few different options. Here are a few nursery mobiles that I truly do love and would be happy to hang above the crib:

(Click on any image to be taken directly to the mobile if you want more info!)

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Those of you who’ve been following this renovation closely will know that the Anthropologie Wind Chimes have been my #1 contender for a long time. In fact, I’ve been keeping a close eye on their website for one of their elusive 20% off everything sales so I can snatch one up for myself. I love that it’s a totally neutral (yet stunning!) option that can easily be repurposed to the back patio once we don’t need it for the nursery anymore.

Of course, it’s almost $70 (and even with the sale, wouldn’t be cheap!), and I just keep questioning if it would be too much for this small room.

I’m thinking this is one of those decisions where it’s painfully obvious to everyone but me that I should just not get a mobile since I clearly don’t really want one. But, we all have these blind spots in our decorating process where we just can’t seem to get past a tiny little decision that anyone else would have made in 5 seconds and moved on with their lives.

I mean, really. It’s a mobile. Get a grip, Amanda. This isn’t a life or death decision!

I recognize that I have issues. I’m working on it.

Oh, and on a side note, I do feel obligated to point out that there are also a ton of great options out there for DIY nursery mobiles. It’s not a route we’re considering taking, mostly because I’m already on the fence about if I even want one so it seems silly to pour hours of planning and execution into a project I’m not in love with (especially when, if you subscribe to my newsletter, you’ll know that my to-do list is already a zillion miles long!). But, if you’re looking for a non-cheesy mobile option that’s a little more affordable, there is some fantastic inspiration out there.

Comments

We never had a mobile with our second either. With the first it seemed so important but since I never actually turned it on, nor did the baby ever notice it, it seemed pointless to buy the second time around.

Your home’s nursery is quite adorable! I’ve read some of the comments saying that there isn’t a “need” for a mobile, but then again there are some studies that do show that mobiles actually help with the baby’s development, it provides stimulation AND helps them sleep.

You don’t need a mobile. Especially if it attaches to the crib, it won’t be long before baby can pull it off, break it, etc. There are babies that love the little electronic ones that attached to the wall of the crib (like a tiny fish tank) but my kids needed to be distraction free. Instead, we got a white noise machine that projects a rotating light on the ceiling and that seems to work well enough for us.

I didn’t have a mobile for either of my children & never felt the lack! Having said that, I don’t think they’re really a thing in the UK – perhaps because most people have their baby in their room for the first 6 months? I don’t think anyone I know had one. Purely anecdotal, but if it helps you feel better about your gut instinct…!

I wasn’t keen on paying for a mobile, but my mother bought one (second hand for $10) for my daughter and she still uses it every night (almost 4 years later). I think it is the music that she is drawn to most. I guess my only advice would be to consider the function over the form. It might get in the way of the design, but if it makes your baby happy…

No, you don’t need one and it would compete with the mirror above the crib. Having said that, I had a mobile for my kids that I turned on every night and nap. Gave them a distraction when I slipped out the door. Now the music is a good sleep cue.

I really loved the mobile that the Petersik’s made for Clara’s bedroom. At the time, semi-adult me (I was like, 20/21?) made the same thing and hung them in a corner of my bedroom. It was super cheap and I liked the look of them.

Hi, there. I'm Amanda. I like to teach people how to make their home beautiful without a lot of time, effort, or money. I'm a big believer that you don't have to be a pro to renovate your home (I'm certainly not!) and I love to share what I'm learning as I go through the process of making my house a home. Click below to learn more about me and my family! Read More